Evaluation of a multi-component approach to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) using guided visualizations, cranial electrotherapy stimulation, and vibroacoustic sound

"Room to Reflect": A Pilot Workplace Resiliency Intervention for Nurses

Rising workload demands for nurses necessitate the implementation of easily accessible and innovative clinician well-being resources on health care units. This pre/post pilot study sought to measure the impact of a mobile workplace intervention, “Room to Reflect” on staff nurse and nurse manager resilience. A mobile toolbox with a sound machine, Virtual Reality headset, and associated Quick Response code audio/video offerings, and a paper Pocket Guide of mindful restoration practices were provided to 7 health care units for a 3 month period. Pre/post questionnaires assessed perceived resilience using the Connor-Davidson Resilience scale, and intervention feasibility (ease of use), accessibility (spaces used), and effectiveness (restoration). Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, paired and independent samples t-tests, and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests. From the pre (n = 97) to post (n = 57) intervention period, there was a significant difference in resilience for Clinician 3 staff nurses. A mean increase in resilience was noted among nurse managers following participation in the intervention, z = −2.03, p < 0.05. The Pocket Guide was the easiest offering to use, while VR offerings were accessed the most through Quick Response code. Space and time were the most common barriers to Room to Reflect use. Staff nurses felt supported by managers to use the program, and managers perceived that the program improved nurse job satisfaction.

Cognitive Behavioral-Active Music Pastoral Therapy for Millennials' Academic Anxiety: How & Why?

This study used quasi-experimental design with repeated measures (pre-test, post-test, and follow-up). Based on the post-test and the follow-up comparison, active music therapy was effective in reducing academic anxiety after two weeks of the treatment. Active music therapy which are integrated in CBT group counseling not only can overcome individual problems, but the therapies can also help individuals analyze their own thoughts and behavior.

Positive Emotional Experience: Induced by Vibroacoustic Stimulation Using a Body Monochord in Patients with Psychosomatic Disorders: Is Associated with an Increase in EEG-Theta and a Decrease in EEG-Alpha Power

Relaxation and meditation techniques are generally characterized by focusing attention, which is associated with an increase of frontal EEG Theta. Some studies on music perception suggest an activation of Frontal Midline Theta during emotionally positive attribution, others display a lateralization of electrocortical processes in the attribution of music induced emotion of different valence. The present study examined the effects of vibroacoustic stimulation using a Body Monochord and the conventional relaxation music from an audio CD on the spontaneous EEG of patients suffering from psychosomatic disorders (N = 60). Each treatment took about 20 min and was presented to the patients in random order. Subjective experience was recorded via self-rating scale. EEG power spectra of the Theta, Alpha-1 and Alpha-2 bands were analysed and compard between the two treatment conditions. There was no lateralization of electrocortical activity in terms of the emotional experience of the musical pieces. A reduction in Alpha-2 power occurred during both treatments. An emotionally positive attribution of the experience of the vibroacoustically induced relaxation state is characterized by a more pronounced release of control. In the context of focused attention this is interpreted as flow experience. The spontaneous EEG showed an increase in Theta power, particularly in the frontal medial and central medial area, and a greater reduction in Alpha-2 power. The intensity of positive emotional feelings during the CD music showed no significant effect on the increase in Theta power.

Pilot study of cranial stimulation for symptom management in breast cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES

To examine the feasibility, relationships among variables, and preliminary outcomes of a self-directed complementary modality, cranial electrical stimulation (CES), for symptom management in women receiving chemotherapy for breast cancer.

DESIGN

Biobehavioral pilot feasibility study.

SETTING

Two university-based cancer centers.

SAMPLE

36 women with stage I-IIIA breast cancer scheduled to receive chemotherapy.

METHODS

Data were collected via interview, questionnaires, and interactive voice technology (IVR). Biomarkers were measured from a blood sample taken prior to the initial chemotherapy.

MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES

Symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, pain, and sleep disturbances; biomarkers (proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-alpha], interleukin-1 beta) and C-reactive protein [CRP]); and CES.

FINDINGS

CES appears to be a safe and acceptable modality during chemotherapy. Recruitment and retention were adequate. IVR was associated with missing data. Symptoms of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and sleep disturbances were highly correlated with each other, and most symptoms were correlated with CRP at baseline. Depression and TNF-alpha had a positive, significant relationship. Levels of depression increased over time and trended toward less increase in the CES group; however, the differences among groups were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The data support the feasibility of CES. Further testing in larger samples is needed to examine the efficacy of CES for symptom management of multiple, concurrent symptoms and to further develop the biobehavioral framework.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Interventions that are effective at minimizing more than one target symptom are especially needed to provide optimal symptom management for women with breast cancer.